New Bag In Town

The Sasha Duffel Bag by Botkier is the new bag in town. I wooed and worshipped the leather carry-all as it hung on my cousin's arm this weekend. It's a bag that you must experience in person. With the detachable strap, you can wear it two different ways -- on your arm or on your shoulder.

Sasha Duffel Bag, Botkier, $695

3 C's

For Chanel, Clutch, the Caviar. Me loves Chanel, especially this handheld beauty (as held by Victoria Beckham and Ashley Olsen). I appreciate innovation in style and design but when making a personal investment; I opt for timeless, classic pieces such as this.

The Chanel Caviar, $895

Big Rings

One day, I’ll get my 3 carat ring. I must be dreaming! One day, maybe in my next life. In the meantime, I can still rock the bling and wave my hands with pride, even if it’s just a $6 H&M sparkler weighing down my fingers. Though I love my David Yurman onyx cocktail ring, the one dressed with glittering diamonds, oh yes, that one. ;) -- it carries with it some bittersweet emotions. I wear it sparingly -- plus I’d be devastated if I left it in the girl’s room absentmindedly. And I would do something like that.

So, I’d much prefer the less than $20 costume accessories; at the moment, rings to be specific – though it would be silly of me to refuse the real thing. I’m talking big jewels and rocks encased by metal or flower petals carrying over your ring and pointer finger – and maybe even funky plastics in polka-dot and leapord. All of abstract shapes and colors, of course. Doesn't a luscious strawberry with gold seeds sound delicious?

Where to find? I scouted some at H&M. Intermix has some but pricey. Kenneth Jay Lane, of course, does not cease to disappoint. All the ones pictured above, Rachel Leigh, Lee Angel, Kenneth Jay Lane, and SuRevolution are all around $80.

Rock me. ;)

Spotlight on Alexandra Bee

Designed with the high-powered, multi-tasking, working-woman in mind, Alexandra Bee unveils Sophia. Available in both canvas and leather, the bag is weightless - so when you throw in your gym shoes, your keys, your wallet, your book for lunch, your mail, etc - you don't have to worry about lugging the 5 extra pounds that is your usual leather carryall. At first glance, you see simplicity. There are no fancy tassels or grommets to distract the eye but one glance inside and you see that the interior is built to organize. There's a compartment for everything you need to keep separated. As much as I love big bags, I admit that I do make it a point to complain each time I'm rummaging through my bag looking for my ID or lipgloss.

The Sophia comes in two sizes, has nine designer fabrics to choose from, and features....

• Fully lined, water-resistant interior
• 2 large interior pockets
• Large interior pockets
• Large zippered pocket to keep personal items safe
• 2 more interior pockets for miscellaneous items
• 3 leather easy-access pen holders
• 2 large exterior pockets

Since Alexandra Bee is just launching in the US, her styles are only available online at this time. For more information , visit Alexandra Bee.

Something to keep your eye out for in the coming months. :)

Shades of Oliver People

The Sun Collection

Spring/Summer 2007

Meet Arabelle, Jezebelle, Ingenue, Villette, Leyla, Prentice, Moffitt, Barlow, Virtuoso, Luis, Truce, and Farrell -- all in the new family of Oliver People's spring/summer 2007 collection.

And here's Leyla, my personal favorite.

Oliver Peoples, as worn by: Mary J Blige, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Garner, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Cameron Diaz, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Angelina Jolie, Sienna Miller, Reese Witherspoon, Ashton Kutcher, Eva Longoria, Billy Bob Thorton, Justin Timberlake, Jay Z, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Claire Danes, Kate Beckinsdale, Lindsay Lohan

Louis, Marc, Stephen

Everyone knows that I love big totes. I hate that you lose everything in them but it seems that I never have enough hands - especially in the mornings when you're trying to multi-task. For example, flip-flops under you arm for after work, bag on your arm, redbull in hand, trash in the other....all while you're fumbling for your keys to lock the door and get into your car.

They say three's a charm. You have 1) the Stephen bag, designed by 2) Marc Jacobs for 3) Louis Vuitton. And indeed, the combination is quite the ménage à trois. A girlfriend of mine has been eyeing this bag for awhile and I don't blame her. It's like a high-powered stam bag and that description barely does it much justice. It's very city girl and utilitarian with it's messenger bag type functionality. The shoulder strap to my Balenciaga motorcycle which I once thought was just a pretty accessory has proven very useful.

And of course, Jessica Simpson seen toting it around doesn't hurt it's image much either - since she seems to wear everything so well!

Twin Turbo 2800

My pick for the salon hair dryer. I've heard good things about the T3 hair appliances but to tell you the truth, who wants to spend $200 on a hairdryer.

Retail, I've seen the twin turbo go for $200 but I recently purchased mine on Metro Beauty for $87. The site also offers free shipping through FedEx on orders over $75!

It's highpowered and fairly light. I've been using it for 4 years and only this year did I have to replace it (and only because it fell from my counter to the tile floor of my bathroom).

Once you switch to a salon hairdryer, you can't go back. You get the results you want, quicker with something that has more oomph to it.

Adorn Yourself

Getting to know a city like LA is a huge undertaking. I have a checklist of things I want to do and see. Today's task was to shop the Fairfax Flea Market. "Cheap vintage finds" was the buzz that drew me in and it was no surprise to me to see what seemed like hundreds of tents filled with goodies from decades ago. One girl held up an elastic belt with vinyl trim and smiled - "These belts are straight from the eighties - ten dollars". I passed because purple's just not my color but there were numerous belts, some brightly colored faux leather and others more cowboy-esque style with tarnished buckles. Old leather clutches were selling for $1 a piece. You can find anything from clothing, jewelry, records, artwork, antiques, to 70s decor. Amongst all the old, there is scattered some new.

I stopped short at the Shari Wacks table decorated with gem-stoned and charmed accessories ranging from necklaces to bracelets to earrings. You can find Shari's jewelry at Fred Segal, Bloomies and Nordstrom. Twice a month, you can find her stuff at the Fairfax Flea Market and also get to meet the designer herself. She can give you a 101 on how to layer your necklaces.

Single-drop or charms? I have to make a 2nd trip to the flea market to decide.

Fans of Shari Wacks: Mischa Barton, Keira Knightly, Jennifer Lopez, Mira Sorvino and Amanda Bynes

The scoop on the Fairfax Flea Market:

When: Sundays, 9am to 5 pm
Where: Fairfax Highschool, 7850 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles
Price: $2 admission
Parking: Yes, and free. Enter on Fairfax

Shoppers please advise. Be ready to rummage and sift through hangers!